Earthquake and earth-movement property losses
Document building and contents damage safely, preserve inspection findings, and identify the relevant insurance policy.
Wait for safe access
Aftershocks, damaged utilities, falling masonry, and structural instability can remain dangerous after an earthquake. Follow emergency officials. Do not enter a damaged building to retrieve insurance documents or take photos until access is permitted.
Separate observation from engineering conclusions
Record visible damage from safe locations and keep pre-loss photos or inspection records if available. A crack alone does not establish when it formed or why. Save qualified engineering or building inspection reports, repair estimates, and written restrictions on occupancy.
Identify the applicable coverage
Earthquake, earth movement, resulting fire, and other causes may be addressed by different policies or endorsements. Review deductibles, limits, exclusions, notice requirements, and any directions about inspection before repair. Do not assume a general property policy covers every earthquake-related expense.
Organize representation and repair
Ask professionals to identify their qualifications and the scope of their work. Claims presentation, legal advice, engineering, and construction are different services. Confirm the assigned professional's current authority in the state, a written fee agreement, and how consultants or disputed repair scopes are handled. This information does not determine coverage or replace professional advice.
Source references
Explore related losses
Educational information, not legal advice or a coverage determination.
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